Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar
Efficacy
- Indications with possible efficacy:
None - Other indications with no proof of efficacy:
Arthritis
High cholesterol levels
Hypertension
Leg cramps
Osteoporosis
Sore throat
Sinus problems
To improve digestion
To prevent dandruff and itching of the scalp - topical use
To stimulate thought process
Toxin eliminate
Vaginitis - topical use
Weight loss (popular use)
Security
- Risk of Drug Interactions: Low
- Adverse Effects: Rare
Description
Cider vinegar is obtained by the fermentation of apple juice, as regular vinegar is obtained through the fermentation of wine. It contains small amounts of minerals and vitamins. There are no recognized indications for cider vinegar. It is used as part of folklore medicine. Cider vinegar is marketed as a liquid and in capsules and tablets.
Direction of use
There are no recognized indications for the use of cider vinegar. Nonetheless, it is used to regularize certain medical conditions, even though its actual usefulness remains to be determined.
Precautions
- Side effects
Cider vinegar is not associated with any particular toxicity. Use of cider vinegar could worsen a gastric ulcer. - Contraindications
Use it with caution if you suffer from diabetes or osteoporosis. - Interactions
There are no known drug interactions with cider vinegar and it seems unlikely that any would occur. - Pregnancy and breastfeeding
The normal use of cider vinegar in cooking appears to be safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding, but large amounts should be avoided.
Warning
In 2004, Canada adopted new regulations that control the manufacturing, packaging, labeling and importing of natural health products. The new regulations also include an adverse reaction reporting system. Products that conform to the regulation's criteria are identified with a natural product number (NPN) and can be legally sold in Canada. This number indicates that the product meets specific criteria for safety and purity, not that it is effective for any indication.
Medicinal plant contents vary naturally from plant to plant - just as fruits from the same package may vary in taste and texture. There is no standard to measure the active content of each plant. Thus, efficacy of natural products should be expected to vary from brand to brand as well as from bottle to bottle of the same brand.
For more information about the Natural Health Products Regulations, or to check if a product has been assessed, visit the Health Canada website at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/prodnatur/index-eng.php.
References
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, Therapeutic Research Faculty, 2010
- Passeportsanté.net. Vinaigre. www.passeportsante.net
© Copyright Vigilance Santé
The patient information leaflets are provided by Vigilance Santé Inc. This content is for information purposes only and does not in any manner whatsoever replace the opinion or advice of your health care professional. Always consult a health care professional before making a decision about your medication or treatment.